The sudden death of adult film star Kylie Page, confirmed on 25 June in Los Angeles at the age of 28, has brought renewed attention to mental health concerns within the adult entertainment industry.

The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner has confirmed her death, though the official cause remains under investigation but recent reports show she passed due to Fentanyl overdose. As tributes circulate online, some within the industry and mental health sector are warning of broader systemic issues affecting female performers.

A Vibrant Life Cut Short

Kylie Page began her adult film career in 2016 and rose to prominence through work with studios such as Brazzers, Naughty America and Vixen Media Group. She gained wider attention following her appearance in Netflix's documentary series Hot Girls Wanted: Turned On, often working under the stage name 'Bonnie Kinz'.

Colleagues and fans have described her as kind‑hearted, warm and full of zest for life. News of her passing has prompted widespread reflection within the adult entertainment community.

Depression Rates Outstrip General Population

While the cause of death has not been released, her passing has sparked renewed scrutiny of mental health pressures within the adult film sector. A 2011 California-based study comparing 134 female porn performers with 1,773 age‑matched women found that 33 per cent of performers met clinical criteria for depression, compared with just 13 per cent in the control group.

These findings remained significant even after controlling for factors such as childhood trauma and domestic violence, suggesting that female performers face unique psychological stressors. Contributing factors often include early life trauma, work-related pressures, financial instability and the social stigma that can isolate performers from mainstream support networks.

Community Voices and the Pressure to Perform

Within the industry, performers have long raised concerns about mental health. In a 2019 CBS News report, adult industry advocate Lotus Lain described the mental health landscape as 'dire', citing widespread discrimination, financial insecurity and limited access to professional care.

In recent years, organisations like Pineapple Support, the Adult Performer Advocacy Committee (APAC) and The Cupcake Girls have stepped up to fill critical gaps, offering therapy, legal aid, and crisis intervention services. Despite these initiatives, many performers continue to struggle in silence, often turning to social media platforms to share their experiences and call for help.


Kylie Page's appearance in the Netflix documentary offered a rare and candid look at the personal toll the industry can take. She openly discussed struggles with substance use, an issue widely acknowledged as being intertwined with mental health challenges within the sector.

Kylie Page's death has renewed debate about mental health resources within the adult entertainment industry. While the official cause remains pending, her case highlights ongoing concerns about depression, substance use, and the lack of accessible, long-term support for performers.

Mental health organisations and industry advocates are once again calling for stronger protections, more affordable care options, and greater public understanding of the unique challenges faced by adult film workers. As the industry mourns, questions remain about what structural changes are needed to safeguard performer wellbeing going forward.

Originally published on IBTimes UK